If you’re anything like me, when you love something, you really love it. After watching The Philosopher’s Stone at a young age, I would look out the window at night in anticipation of an owl bringing my Hogwarts letter, run around the house with a stick wand, and dress up as Harry for Halloween (and for fun). Most of my childhood obsessions have died out.. except for Harry Potter.

As I am currently worldbuilding for my own fantasy series, I’ve been considering what elements I should incorporate — and how — to make it memorable to readers. It was only natural for me to peer into one of the most renown series of all time — Harry Potter — and dissect it to figure out what it is that has made these books so influential on an entire generation. To make a worldwide bestselling novel (and the most successful one in history, at that), J.K. Rowling must have done many things right, which I, as a writer, would like to carry into my own work.

Among the many amazing things I noticed, one thing stood out to me most of all: Fantasy is about escapism, and J.K. Rowling did a fantastic job of making her world feel real enough to escape into. She did so through well-developed characters, by making the magical world reflect the real one, by creating her world to have plenty of historical information and exhaustive lists of spells, items, government departments, beasts, and books, and by foreshadowing events — both near and far — in an ingenious way.

Below are the main elements which I theorize have made the Harry Potter series both palpable and timeless, which are worth considering during your own worldbuilding process:

UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS

Although I wish there were more LGBTQ+ and POC characters in Harry Potter, there are many characters with various dispositions and backgrounds, many of which that are relatable to readers. Within this lengthy 7-book series, us readers get to witness characters evolve slowly (and thus realistically) over time — sometimes even growing with them — and in doing so strengthening our connection and their impact on our lives (Fred and Dobby’s deaths still haunt me).

Neville Longbottom, the underdog and the almost-chosen one, had one of the most impressive character arcs in the entire series. Beginning as an untalented and timid young wizard, he later became a brave Gryffindor, daring enough to stand up to Bellatrix, and even to Voldemort. The sword of Gryffindor presented itself to Neville, affirming his transformation, and allowing him to destroy the final Horcux, Nagini. Courage wasn’t something that came as naturally to Neville as it did for Harry; he had to develop it over the years, starting from the very (long) bottom. Underdogs can relate to Neville for this reason, especially those who are determined to succeed despite their hurdles. After all, it is those who you least expect it from, who surprise you the most.

Severus Snape is not particularly a relatable character — except perhaps to those who have lost someone they love, either to another person or to death — but he is a memorable one, in part because of Alan Rickman’s fantastic portrayal of Snape. He is morally grey, making his motives and actions a frequent topic of debate: Would Snape have turned against Voldemort if he hadn’t killed Lily? Did he truly love Lily, or was it mere obsession? Are Snape’s actions against Harry forgivable (he saved him multiple times, while also bullying him)? Either way, being an undercover Death Eater is pretty badass.

Luna Lovegood is my favorite character despite her lack of a character arc, as she is introduced later on in the series and is amazing from the moment we meet her. She is loyal, brave, eccentric, kindhearted, and authentic, despite the snickers she receives for being so. I believe everyone should strive to be more like Luna, and she serves as a great role model.

Draco Malfoy’s redemption arc is often discussed within the fandom community, many being disappointed that he did not have a dramatic turning point. I believe his redemption arc was realistic, as it would take years to deprogram from all the hogwash we was taught throughout his life about blood superiority. Not only that, but people seldom risk what little they have left for a possibility, no matter how much they wish to take that risk. By the end of the series, all Draco has left were his parents (who the Death Eaters no longer held in high esteem), and betraying them for the group that he once openly opposed was too risky (why would they accept and trust him after all the harm he had done?). It was much more practical for him — a self-preserving Slytherin — to watch events unfold from the sidelines, helping discreetly where and when he could, and to avoid announcing his allegiance (which he was probably struggling to decide). Those who have had to unlearn the wrong they have been taught, who have had high expectations placed on their shoulders at a young age, and who have deep regrets, may relate to Draco.

LIFE LESSONS AND MEMORABLE QUOTES

Harry Potter taught me a lot about the realities of life when I was young, many of which I have carried with me throughout the years. These lessons — often summarized in the form of memorable quotes — are things all people, in my opinion, should know.

• Things are usually morally grey; neither all good nor all bad:

“Besides the world isn’t split into good people and Death Eaters. We’ve all got both light and dark inside of us. What matters is the part we choose to act on.” — Sirius Black, The Order of the Phoenix

• It is okay to imagine and dream, but not at the expense of your life:

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” — Albus Dumbledore, the Philosopher’s Stone

• We decide who we are, not our past, nor anyone else:

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” — Albus Dumbledore, The Goblet of Fire

“It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities.” — Albus Dumbledore, The Chamber of Secrets

• Feelings are just as — if not more — important than “facts”:

“The truth. It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.” — Albus Dumbledore, The Philosopher’s Stone

• The opposite of love is indifference, which is why it hurts so much more than being despised:

“Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.” — Albus Dumbledore, The Order of the Phoenix

• Those who do not accept you as your authentic self are not worth the time of day anyway:

“I am what I am, an’ I’m not ashamed. ‘Never be ashamed,’ my ol’ dad used ter say, ‘there’s some who’ll hold it against you, but they’re not worth botherin’ with.’” — Rubeus Hagrid, The Goblet of Fire

• The right decision is often the harder one to make:

“Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.” — Albus Dumbledore, The Goblet of Fire

There are other memorable quotes, too, which most of us Potterheads have memorized by heart:

“Don’t let the muggles get you down.” — Ron Weasley, The Prisoner of Azkaban

“You’re just as sane as I am,” — Luna Lovegood, The Order of the Phoenix

“I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noise and pretending I’m not there.” — Harry Potter, The Chamber of Secrets

“Just because you‘ve got ’the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn’t mean we all have.” — Hermione Granger, The Order of the Phoenix

“All my shoes have mysteriously disappeared. I suspect the Nargles are behind it.” — Luna Lovegood, The Order of the Phoenix

“Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect.” — Luna Lovegood, The Order of the Phoenix

“You — complete — arse — Ronald — Weasley!” — Hermione Granger, The Deathly Hallows

“What exactly is the function of a rubber duck?” — Arthur Weasley, The Chamber of Secrets

HISTORY

The history within a fantasy/fiction novel is important for establishing why the world is presently the way it is. J.K. Rowling took worldbuilding very seriously, providing far more historical facts and theories about her wizarding world than can be memorized or contained within 7 books (much of it has been later published on Pottermore (now wizardingworld.com), in Quidditch Throughout the Ages, and in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). As it took J.K. Rowling 6 years to write only the first book, it is no surprise that her universe has such a detailed history, which was inspired by both true and imagined events. Large-scale history, involving wizarding wars, lineages, and the government, and small-scale history, involving characters’ pasts, are evident.

• The history of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which was founded c. 990 A.D. by four powerful witches and wizards: Rowena Ravenclaw (who presumably decided the location and name of Hogwarts), Helga Hufflepuff (who created Hogwart’s recipes and ensured the school was a safe work environment for House-Elves), Salazar Slytherin (who created the Chamber of Secrets and fought against the admission of non pure-blood students), and Godric Gryffindor (who enchanted the Sorting Hat and fervently opposed Slytherin’s prejudices)
• The history of the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald and the (first) global wizarding war, which ended in 1945 when Dumbledore finally defeated his childhood friend (Although we receive only tidbits of information about these events in the Harry Potter series, much more has been revealed in the Fantastic Beasts spin-off series.)
• The history of the (British) Ministry of Magic: why and when it formed (founded in 1707, partially to enforce the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy law that passed in 1692), the laws that have been created since then (the Unforgivable Curses [Avada Kedavra, Crucio, Imperio] being made illegal in 1717, the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, the Ban on Experimental Breeding, the Muggle Protection Act, the Wizengamot Charter of Rights (Apparition licenses, registered Animagi, Veritaserum control,..) the Werewolf Code of Conduct,.. and information about the previous Ministers for Magic: Ulick Gamp (the first Minister and the creator of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement), Perseus Parkinson (who attempted to make it illegal for a wizard to marry a muggle), Eldritch Diggory (who wanted to reform Azkaban and stop using Dementors), Artemisia Lufkin (the first witch Minister, from 1798–1811), Archer Evermonde (made it illegal for wizards to fight in World War I, which many disobeyed), Nobby Leach (the first muggle-born Minister, from 1962–1968),..
• Other historical events in the wizarding world: the Soap Blizzard of 1378, the Squib Rights marches, the 18th century Goblin rebellion, the Gargoyle Strike of 1911, the Giant wars,..
• The history of certain magical advancements and innovations — just as muggles’ technology has advanced throughout time — such as broomsticks (first used c. 962 A.D., the Cushioning Charm added in 1820 to improve flying comfort, the production of the first racing broomstick, the Cleansweep One, made by the Cleansweep Broom Company in 1926), other methods of travel (Floo Powder, created by Ignatia Wildsmith [1227–1320], the Hogwarts Express, created by Minister for Magic Ottaline Gambol, who was inspired by Muggle technology [served 1827–1835], the Knight Bus, created by Minister for Magic Dugald McPhail [served 1858–1865]),.. and alternative methods of communication:

“‘Just interdepartmental memos. We used to use owls, but the mess was unbelievable… droppings all over the desks…’” — Arthur Weasley, The Order of the Phoenix

• Witches and Wizards known for their achievements, inventions, and oddities (especially those recorded on Chocolate Frog cards): Andros the Invincible, Falco Aesalon (the first known Animagus), Fulbert the Fearful (a well-known homebody), Herpo the Foul (who created the Basilisk and the Horcrux), Merlin, Uric the Oddball (who wore a jellyfish on his head), Wendelin the Weird,..
• The origins of the game Quidditch (originally Kwidditch or Cuaditch), first played in Queerditch Marsh c. 1050 A.D., influenced by the Scottish broomstick game Creaothceann, and the Golden Snitch influenced by the magical bird the Golden Snidget
• The history of the Quidditch World Cup — which has been held in Britain since 1473 and opened to other countries in the 17th century — including what teams had won and occurrences which made certain tournaments unique (such as the 1877 Quidditch World Cup that no one can remember)
• Family trees, especially of Pureblood witches and wizards: the Peverells, the Gaunts, the Lestranges, the Blacks, the Weasleys (who are considered blood-traitors for their disregard of their blood “purity”), the Potters,..

 

FORESHADOWING

Since J.K. Rowling had such a clear image about the history of her world and the plot layout of each book, she was able to masterfully foreshadow future events. There is such a large amount of foreshadowing — both big and small, long-term and short-term — scattered throughout the pages of Harry Potter, that many of them are easy to overlook until a second or third read-through. Connecting these dots gives readers a sense of satisfaction, similar to finding a fitting piece in a giant jigsaw puzzle.

• Sirius Black, the only family Harry has left, was passively referred to in Book 1 Chapter 1 (Hagrid borrowed Sirius’ motorbike to transport Harry to Privet Drive), but is not mentioned again until the third book:

“Borrowed it, Professor Dumbledore, sir. […] Young Sirius Black lent it to me.” — Hagrid, The Philosopher’s Stone

• Readers learn very early on that Harry has some kind of connection to Voldemort when Ollivander matches him with Voldemort’s twin wand:

“Curious… curious… […] I remember every wand I’ve ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather — just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother why, its brother gave you that scar. […] Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember…. I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter…. After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things — terrible, yes, but great.” — Ollivander, The Philosopher’s Stone

• Professor Snape’s first words to Harry Potter indicate something much more profound:

“Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?” — Severus Snape, The Philosopher’s Stone

The Asphodel is a type of Lily and can sometimes mean “my regrets follow you to the grave,” and wormwood can mean “absence” or “bitter sorrow.” It is likely that Snape, being a highly intelligent man who prefers to keep “the best of himself” hidden away, would have used this hidden language as a way to acknowledge Lily’s death to Harry. Readers — and Harry — do not realize that Snape had a connection to Lily until the end of the series, and that her death deeply affected him.

• Scabbers, Ron’s rat, was negatively affected by the news of Sirius Black escaping Azkaban, subtly foreshadowing that he was somehow involved in it all:

“Scabbers was looking thinner than usual, and there was a definite droop to his whiskers” — Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

He progressively got worse throughout the course of the book, highlighting his increasing anxiety as Sirius Black got closer and closer:

“He’s skin and bone!” — Ron Weasley, The Prisoner of Azkaban

• Harry saw Aberforth Dumbledore in the Hog’s Head, without knowing who he was or that Professor Dumbledore had a brother:

“He was a grumpy-looking old man with a great deal of long gray hair and beard. He was tall and thin and looked vaguely familiar to Harry.” — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

• Harry encountered the locket Horcrux before realizing what it truly was, while helping clean out a cabinet in 12 Grimmauld Place:

“…a heavy locket that none of them could open…” — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Similarly, Harry came across a tiara (diadem) in the Room of Requirement when he was hiding the Half-Blood Prince’s book, unaware that it was also a Horcrux:

“He stuffed the Half-Blood Prince’s book behind the cage and slammed the door. He paused for a moment, his heart thumping horribly, gazing around at all the clutter. . . . Would he be able to find this spot again amidst all this junk? Seizing the chipped bust of an ugly old warlock from on top of a nearby crate, he stood it on top of the cupboard where the book was now hidden, perched a dusty old wig and a tarnished tiara on the statue’s head to make it more distinctive, then sprinted back through the alleyways of hidden junk as fast as he could go..” — Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

J.K. Rowling also planted some amusing “Easter eggs” in the books:

• Fred and George Weasley unintentionally threw snowballs at Voldemort’s face:

“The lake froze solid and the Weasley twins were punished for bewitching several snowballs so that they followed Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban.” — Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s stone

DETAILS

J.K. Rowling created a comprehensive list of magical and enchanted items, spells, potions, books, Quidditch teams and fouls,.. making the magical world feel not only real, but also unique; separate from the rest of us. Some examples of these are:

• The departments within the Ministry of Magic: the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (Auror Office, Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, Wizengamot,..), the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes (Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, Obliviator Headquarters,..), the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures (Beast Division, Spirit Division, Goblin Liaison Office, Pest Advisory Board,..), the Department of International and Magical Co-operation (International Confederation of Wizards,..), the Department of Magical Transportation (Floo Network Authority, Portkey Office, Apparition Test Centre,..), the Department of Magical Games and Sports (British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters,..), and the Department of Mysteries (Brain Room, Death Chamber, Time Room, Hall of Prophecy,..)
• The various broomstick models, each with different abilities (Bluebottle, the Cleansweep series, the Comet series, Firebolt, Moontrimmer, the Nimbus series, Oakshaft 79, Shooting Star, Silver Arrow, Thunderbolt VII, Tinderblast,..)
• Wizard games, such as Exploding Snap, Wizard’s Chess, Wand Duelling, Gobstones, and broomstick games (Quidditch, the annual broom race, Quodpot, Swivenhodge, Shuntbumps,..),..
• Potions, such as Amortentia (a strong love potion), Beautification Potion, Draught of Living Death (makes the drinker appear to be dead), Elixer of Life (made from the Philosoper’s Stone), Felix Felicis (Liquid Luck), Pepperup Potion (for colds), Polyjuice Potion, Skele-Gro, Veritaserum (compels the drinker to honesty), Wolfsbane Potion (for Werewolves),..
• Spells (charms, jinxes, healing, transfiguration, hexes, curses, and counter-spells), including everything from tickling to killing: Accio, Aguamenti, Alohamora, Bombarda, Confundo (confuses target), Diffindo, Engorgio, Episkey, Expecto Patronum, Expelliarmus, Immobulus, Legilimens (opens the target’s mind to the spellcaster), Lumos and Nox, Mimblewimble, Obliviate, Petrificus Totalus, Portus (creates a Portkey), Protego, Reparo, Rictusempra (tickling charm), Riddikulus, Scourgify, Sectumsempra, Wingardium Leviosa,..
• Books written by witches and wizards: A Guide to Medieval Sorcery, The Invisible Book of Invisibility, Gilderoy Lockhart’s series (Break with a Banshee, Gadding with Ghouls, Magical Me,..), One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi (by Phyllida Spore), Hogwarts: A History (by Bathilda Bagshot), Moste Potente Potions, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (by Newt Scamander), The Monster Book of Monsters, From Egg to Inferno: A Dragon Keeper’s Guide, Unfogging the Future (by Cassandra Vablatsky), The Philosophy of the Mundane: Why the Muggles Prefer Not to Know (by Mordicus Egg), Quidditch Throughout the Ages (by Kennilworthy Whisp), The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore (by Rita Skeeter), The Tales of the Beedle and the Bard (containing children’s stories such as Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump and The Tale of Three Brothers), Charm Your Own Cheese,..
• Wandlore (although not a perfect science, the Ollivanders have studied it well since 382 B.C.), especially concerning the main wand cores (Dragon Heartstring, Unicorn Hair, Phoenix Feather), and woods: Aspen (performs great charm work and martial spells), Beech (for wise and open-minded wizards), Blackthorn (for warriors, with both good or bad purposes), Ebony (for authentic wizards who don’t mind not fitting in), Hazel (for emotionally intelligent wizards), Hornbeam (for wizards with an intense passion), Maple (for adventurous wizards), Pine (for solitary wizards), Rowan (performs great defensive spells), Walnut (for intelligent and innovative wizards),..
• Rare and unique objects such as the Deluminator, Howlers, the flying Ford Anglia, the Marauder’s Map, Remembralls, the Weasley family clock, Ravenclaw’s Diadem, the Sword of Gryffindor, the Sorting Hat, the Hand of Glory, the Vanishing Cabinets, the Philosopher’s Stone, the Goblet of Fire, the Mirror of Erised, the Pensieve, Time-Turners, The Deathly Hallows (the Elder Wand, the Cloak of Invisibility, the Resurrection Stone),..
• Fantastic beasts, many inspired by Celtic mythology (Acromantula, Basilisk, Blast-Ended Skrewt, Bowtruckle, Cornish Pixie, Demiguise, Doxy, Dragon (Antipodean Opaleye, Chinese Fireball, Flesh-Eating Slug, Hungarian Horntail, Norwegian Ridgeback, Swedish Short-Snout,..), Fire Crab, Flobberworm, Giant Squid, Gnome, Grindylow, Hippogriff, Imp, Jarvey, Kelpie, Kneazle, Niffler, Phoenix, Pygmy Puff, Red Cap, Three-Headed Dog, Troll, Unicorn, Wrackspurt,..) and intelligent beings (Centaurs, Giants, Goblins, House-Elves, Merpeople, Veela, Werewolves,..)
• Joke and gag items, especially from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes: Canary Cream (temporarily turns you into a giant Canary), Decoy Detonators, Dungbombs, Extendable Ears (for eavesdropping), Fanged Frisbee, Nose Biting Teacup, Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, Portable Swamp, Rubby O’ Chicken (bewitched to Irish dance), Skiving Snackbox (Fainting Fancies, Fever Fudge, Nosebleed Nougat, Puking Pastille), U-No-Poo,..
• Sweets, especially from Honeydukes (Acid Pops, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, Butterbeer, Cauldron Cakes, Chocolate Frogs, Cockroach Clusters, Drooble’s Best Blowing Gum, Fizzing Whizzbees, Fudge Flies, Jelly Slugs, Liquorice Wands, Pepper Imps, Pumpkin Pasties, Sugar Quills, Toothflossing Stringmints, Treacle Fudge),..

What does this mean for your writing?

In short, Plan ahead.

• Consider your world’s unique culture, history, characters, creatures, items, and magic, before plotting and writing (although some ideas can come to you while writing freely, too). This helps to keep your worldbuilding consistent and minimize plot holes.
• Include a wide variety of morally grey characters with relatable struggles and challenges to overcome, showing their evolution throughout the course of your novel.
• Contemplate the messages and themes you want to shine through, hinting at these things early on, and building off of them.

“Words, in my opinion, are our most inexhaustible source of magic.” — Albus Dumbledore

• Put the work in to make your world feel as close to tangible as you possibly can: that is what many of us escapists are searching for.
• And, most importantly, have fun with the creation process.

I will be forever grateful to J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series for opening my mind up to possibility and creativity, for shaping my childhood, and for inspiring me to write, too.

“No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live in us forever. So whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” — J.K. Rowling